The Johannesburg born goalkeeper who has earned himself a nickname, ‘David James’ after the former English goalkeeper, thrilled the spectators with his reflexes and his ball distribution during the reserves games at Eldorado Park Stadium.

“I learnt a lot playing in the Reserve Team last season. It was a good experience, as I was able to implement what I was learning from goalkeeper coach Rainer Dinkelacker and from my teammates Itumeleng Khune, Arthur Bartman and Brilliant Khuzwayo.

This season I hope to step up a bit and work even harder. It is always difficult when you have to compete with the countries’ no. 1 (Itumeleng Khune) and a top goalkeeper like Brilliant (Khuzwayo) but I have to push them even harder than I did last season. They all have been very supportive.”

Pieterse revealed that he was in top condition when he reported for the preseason;

“I was keeping fit during the preseason and I was in good condition when I reported for camp. I was one of the top players on the Yoyo Desk which was impressive for a goalkeeper. The camp has been good and the spirit among the players has been as solid as ever. I missed the camp before the start of last season although I joined the camp in January but it is important to be part of the camp when the season starts.

We have a chance of starting from a clean slate and impress the Technical Team before the start of the season. Competition in all departments will once again be fierce this coming season. This is good for the team and it helped a lot last season.”

During the break from training, the players spend time in the Games Room where Pieterse is undisputed ‘King of Table Tennis’;

“The guys are scared to play against me and I have been a champion since our arrival here. I enjoy playing against Kaizer (Motaung JR), he is a tough opponent. He has the Table Tennis at home, so he plays it daily and you can see by the way he plays,” continued Pieterse.

Chiefs will be looking to defend the Gauteng Cup on the 21st July and Pieterse revealed that the players have not lost any hunger to win trophies; “Winning is a habit and we will be going all out to defend the trophy.”